Club Obi Wan

I recently had an ah-ha moment whilst visiting the Imperial War Museum in London. They had on display a mannequin of a wartime Londoner wearing a MKVII and wouldn't you know it, the little round metal disc was serving a purpose! Whoda thunk it!




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Brian

Yeah, it was worn on the chest, flap inward to allow the wearer quick access to the gas mask in case of an attack. Not quite as cool-looking as the way Indy wears it, but that's what it was originally for.

Theres a post around here with a pic of an actual soldier using the bag like this (its intended purpose) with a gas mask on. Just can't find it right now. Cool pic.

Travis

Thanks! I went to the London War Museum about two years ago but I've forgot to look at this detail!
Finally I ahave an answer for my question about use of the mysterious metal disc.

Not the one I was thinking of, but heres one.

Travis

They were often worn "Indy-style" to the side too though. Since soldiers and civilians pretty much had to have their masks with them at all times, this would be the easiest way to carry them on a day-to-day basis. The way they're being worn above is the way they would be worn in combat conditions, or on the march. For parades, periods of leave, R&R and all other times when full kit wasn't being worn, they'd often be slung across the shoulder to the hip.

Pity the poor civillians though - nothing as cool as the Mark VII for them! They only got draw-string bags or cardboard boxes with a length of twine for a shoulder strap! At least if you were an ARP warden or part of the emergency services, you might have had the military style respirator and case. (As in the first post - I think that badge is for the "Auxilliary Fire Service")

(By the way - Anyone familiar with the Britcom "Dad's Army", will have seen plenty of MkVIIs and VIs in action!)

Hollowpond wrote:Not the one I was thinking of, but heres one.

Travis

Looks like Killzone 2: The early years

Thanks for sharing this very informative thread

Cool information. I never thought of the bag being placed on the chest. Alway thought of it secured to the side by the string.

Thanks for the pictures.

and this explains why the cotton strap is so short.

given that the bag was never meant to be carried on the side, the strap lenght is appropriate indeed.

Another question answered. THANKS.

Mike

Hollowpond wrote:Not the one I was thinking of, but heres one.

Was it this one?



Shane

McFly wrote:

Hollowpond wrote:Not the one I was thinking of, but heres one.

Was it this one?



Shane

Yup.

Travis

As a dad and shutter bug, I have to say the MKVII bag is one of the most incredible feats of engineering with canvas on snaps. It's the most versatile bag ever designed. It's perfect for diapers, for cameras, maps, hikes... it's perfect for anything on dry land and beyond.

But I would never wear it around my neck. Now.

The best bag I've ever used in over 20 years.

Interesting.

I hadn't seen those photos before; thanks for sharing.